Nectarine tree--Crystal Red

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which is somewhat similar in its harvesting date with that of the Arctic Glo nectarine tree [U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,884] which matures at approximately the same time of the season, but which is distinguished therefrom, and characterized principally as to novelty by producing fruit which have a larger size, firm flesh texture and an attractive skin color at commercial maturity.

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of nectarinetree denominated varietally as Crystal Red and more particularly, tosuch a nectarine tree which bears a semi-freestone fruit which has afirm substantially white-colored flesh and attractive exteriorcoloration and which further is ripe for commercial harvesting andshipment approximately June 10 through 17 under the ecologicalconditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

It has long been recognized that an important factor contributing to thesuccess of any variety of nectarine tree bearing fruit for the freshmarket is the propensity for the fruit to be attractive in appearance.Another important factor is that the variety bear fruit at a time whenother fruit with the same desirable qualities is not normally available.

The present variety of nectarine tree, as noted above, is asemi-freestone fruit which has an attractive red skin color and whichfurther is somewhat similar in its date of harvesting with that of thenectarine tree denominated varietally as "Arctic Glo" (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 7,884) but which is distinguishable therefrom and characterizedprincipally as to novelty by producing fruit which have a larger size,exceptional flesh firmness at commercial maturity, and a noteworthy,sweet flavor.

ORIGIN AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE NEW VARIETY

This new and distinct variety of nectarine tree is a hybrid nectarinetree resulting from the cross-pollination of one of the stock nectarinetrees of the inventor which is identified by the alpha-numericdesignator 481, and which is of unknown parentage, with that of the"Snow Queen" nectarine tree [believed unpatented]. The parent tree 481is a proprietary tree which has not been released to the public.Cross-pollination of the present variety took place at the inventor'sfarm which is located near Saint Vite, France. The selection from thiscross-pollination was germinated and sections of budwood were removedfrom the original offspring and grafted into commercial root stock whichwas then growing within the cultivated area of the same farm. The fruit,and grafted trees have been compared and contrasted over the lastseveral years with that of the original cross-pollinated offspring andit has been determined that this asexual propagation resulted in anectarine tree being produced which possesses the same distinctivecharacteristics as the originally selected offspring resulting from thestated crosos-pollination.

As compared with the seed parents, the present variety of nectarine treeproduces fruit which are larger in size and more highly colored thanthose of the parents.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety of nectarine tree described herein is characterizedprincipally as to novelty by producing semi-free stone fruit which aremature for commercial harvesting and shipment approximately mid-Juneunder the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley ofcentral California. This date of harvesting is approximately at the sametime as the Arctic Glo nectarine tree (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,884), butthe new variety is distinguishable from the Arctic Glo nectarine tree byproducing fruit which are generally considered to be more highly coloredand larger in size then the Arctic Glo nectarine tree and which furtherhas a noteworthy sweet flavor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The accompanying drawing is a color photograph of five mature fruit ofthe subject variety; one of which has been divided in the suture planeto show the flesh and stone characteristics, together with a twigbearing typical leaves showing the characteristic colors thereof, all ofthe subject variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the polmological details of this new anddistinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observedunder the ecological conditions prevailing at the applicant's licensee'sorchard which is located near Visalia, Calif. All major color codedesignations are by reference to the dictionary of color by Maerz &Paul, First Edition, or alternatively, by reference to the Inter-SocietyColor Council, National Bureau of Standards Color Charts. Common colornames are also employed occasionally.

TREES

Size:

Generally.--Medium to large depending upon pruning practices. Thepresent trees, which are four years old, were nursery propagated onNemaguard peach root stock. These trees now have a crown which has asize of approximately 96 to 115 inches in width; and are approximately10 foot to 10.5 feet in height. These same trees were pruned to a heightof approximately 7 to 8 feet during the winter of the 1993 through 1994and now have developed new growth which has a length of approximately 3to 3.5 feet.

Vigor: Vigorous, and hardy when grown under typical San Joaquin Valleyecological conditions.

Figure: Upright and spreading, the eventual form of the tree will bedetermined by pruning practices. The present trees are trained to anopen-vase system. Most of the trees have now developed four scaffolds.

Productivity: Productive, and normally fruitful at all bearing points.

Regularity of bearing: Regular.

TRUNK

Size:

Generally.--Large, and considered sturdy. Four year old trees measuredat the licensee's orchard range in size from 9.5 to 10 centimeters indiameter.

Surface texture: Coarse and checked with large amounts of scarfskinbeing present.

Color:

Generally.--Dark, grey-brown [7-C-9]. This color is not particularlydistinctive of the subject variety and is indistinguishable from theseed parents.

Lenticels:

Generally.--Numerous, relatively large, oval, lenticels are present andwhich range in size from 4 to 8 millimeters in width, [horizontally] andfrom 1 to 2 millimeters in height [vertically].

BRANCHES

Size:

Generally.--Large and sturdy. These appears indistinguishable from theseed parents.

Surface texture: Checked and bark coarse.

Internode length: Considered average, and having a range of length ofabout 16 to 29 millimeters when compared with average sized, currentseason hanger wood.

Bark color:

Generally.--Dark, grey-brown [15-A-10]. The color is not particularlydistinctive of the new variety. Some lighter colored wood may be found[15-C-9]. The color of the current seasons shoots is pale green[19-J-6]. Further, the shoot surfaces which are exposed to directsunlight are often tinged rose to purple in color [5-I-3] to [5-J-4].Additionally, expanding shoot tips take on a light greenish-yellow color[18-L-4].

Flowering branches:

Thickness.--Average.

Density of buds: Dense.

LEAVES

Size:

Generally.--Large.

Average length.--Approximately 15.2 through 18.6 centimeters, includingthe petiole.

Average width.--Approximately 4.1 through 5.2 centimeters.

Leaf:

Thickness.--Considered normal.

Form.--Generally -- Lanceolate.

Surface texture:

Upper surface.--Glabrous.

Marginal form.--Crenate having low uniform crenatons of average size andfurther having double crenations often occurring at mid-margin.Additionally, the leaf margins are considered only slightly undulate.

Leaf glands.--Shape -- Reniform.

Numbers.--Generally two to four glands are present on petiole or at thebase of the leaf margin. The base glands occasionally appear stalked.

Color.--Light, green-yellow when young, [17-L-6], and which darkens withsenescence.

Size.--Large.

Location.--Alternate. On occasion, one or two additional glands can befound on the lower leaf margin.

Stipules.--Generally -- Few in number, and having a variable length ofapproximately 7 through 9.5 millimeters. The stipules are considered tobe linearly lanceolate in form. The color of the stipules is pale-green[19-I-7]. Marginal form -- Coarsely serrate.

Leaf vein.--Color -- Light green, [21-J-6] [120. m. YG].

Leaf color.--Bottom surface -- a pale, dull green [22-K-4], [125. m. 01G].

Top surface.--Dark green [23-L-K], [126 d. O1G].

Mid-vein -- color.--A pale yellow-green, [17-G-5].

Leaf blade profile: Generally folded upwardly especially at mid-vein.

Leaf blade.--Tip -- The leaf blade tip is generally recurved downwardsand is considered acuminate. Angle -- The angle of the leaf blade at thebase, is normally at a right angle. Ratio of length to width --Considered high.

Petiole.--Generally -- Considered average in size; approximately 9 to 12millimeters in length and, 1.5 to 2 millimeters in the thickness.

Color.--Light green [17-J-7] and having a slightly darker color withinthe petiole groove.

Shape.--Grooved.

Date of leaf bud burst:

Generally.--Average as compared to similar varieties.

FLOWERS

Blooming time: Early to mid-season as compared to other common nectarinetree varieties.

Date of full bloom: February 26 through March 5 at Visalia, Calif.

Flower size:

Generally.--Average as compared to flowers of other nectarine varitiesblooming in the same season.

Dormancy: The present variety normally requires a dormancy period ofapproximately 500 hours at temperatures below 45° F.

Flower buds:

Generally.--Hardy, and well developed.

Flowers:

Generally.--Showy type.

Color.--The petal margins are a light pink, [1-C, Plate 50]. The petalbase is a darker pink, [G-12, Plate 51].

Flower fertility: Considered self-fruitful.

Duration of flowering: Average as compared to other nectarine varieties.

Petals:

Shape.--Rounded, and uniform.

Numbers.--Generally 5.

Pistils:

Numbers.--Always 1.

Stigma:

Generally.--The stigma is normally at the same level as the anther.

Stamens:

Generally.--The length of the stamens are normally equal to the lengthof the petals.

Anthers:

Generally.--Pollen is normally present on each of the anthers.

Ovary:

Surface texture.--The ovaries normally have a fine pubescence.

Calyx:

Color.--The color of the calyx is normally orange prior to petal fall.

FRUIT

Maturity when described: Firm ripe for commercial harvesting andshipment approximately June 10 to June 17 in Visalia, Calif.

Size:

Generally.--Large and uniform as compared to the fruit produced by othernectarine tree varieties which mature at approximately the same time ofthe season.

Uniformity.--Moderately uniform.

Average cheek diameter.--Approximately 65 to 78 millimeters.

Average suture diameter.--Approximately 60 to 69 millimeters.

Average axial diameter.--Approximately 65 to 69 millimeters.

Form: Variable, oval to ovate in its lateral aspect. The fruit isgenerally and occasionally irregularly globose in its apical aspect.

Suture:

Generally.--The suture appears as a distinct line which varies fromabout 2 to 5 millimeters in width and which extends from the base toapex. The suture normally takes on the color of the surrounding skin.The suture line is otherwise smooth and no webbing or stitching isevident. Although the suture appears along the ventral surface, itbecomes more narrow and slightly folded within the stem cavity basin.Additionally, a distinct, depressed line also extends along the dorsaledge from the base to the apex.

Symmetry: Asymeterical in overall shape.

Ventral surface.--Generally -- Irregularly shaped and distinctly lipped.

Stem cavity:

Shape.--Uniformly flared, rounded, and considered of moderate depth.

Size.--Generally medium to small in size and having a width ofapproximately 21 to 32 millimeters; a length of about 22 to 28millimeters; and a depth of approximately 9 to about 11 millimeters.

Base:

Shape.--Broad, rounded, firm and occasionally slightly truncate. Thebase angle is also variable from about a right angle to being slightlyoblique.

Apex.--Size -- The apex appears raised, pointed and firm.

Pistil point.--Present, and further is distinctly oblique.

Skin texture.--Glabrous.

Skin color.--Generally -- The skin has, as general matter, a verybright, glossy, and attractive finish.

Blush intensity and coverage: This is variable. Approximately 70% to 90%of the fruit surface is covered with same.

Blush form: Predominantly solid or washed.

Blush color: Variable, from a dark burgundy red [6-L-6], to a lightercherry red [4-K-11] with shadings therebetween. A small amount ofspeckling may be present, and when it is present, it is locatedpredominantly over the apical shoulder area.

Ground color: Variable, from creme - white [17-I-1] to creme - green[17-J-2]. The amount of ground color is approximately 10% to 30% of thefruit surface and is normally present on the basal end of the fruit.

Skin flavor: Slightly acidic.

Tenacious to flesh: Yes, at commercial maturity. There is no observedtendency for the skin to crack.

Flesh firmness: Generally -- Very frim at commercially maturity.

Skin thickness: Above average.

Flesh color: White [A-1, plate 1], although some pink coloration isevident near the skin [1-K-9].

Pit cavity:

Color.--A slightly darker creme color [17-D-1].

Flesh texture:

Generally.--Considered firm and crisp at commercial maturity. A few,relatively long, lightly colored fibers are present in the flesh.

Fruit ripening: The fruit ripens at the tip first, and then along theventral suture.

Juice production: Moderate.

Flesh flavor: Low acid and considered very sweet and well balanced.

Aroma: Present, distinct, and aromatic.

Eating quality: Very good.

Texture: Uniform, firm and creamy.

Amygdalin: Not detected.

Fruit stem:

Size.--Average and having a length of about 8 to 9 millimeters and athickness of approximately 3 to 4 millimeters.

Color.--Oliver - Green [14-L-1] with occasional brown streaking.

STONE

Generally: Semi-freestone at commercial maturity, and fully freestonewith advancing maturity.

Size:

Generally.--Medium as compared to other nectarine varieties.

Average length.--Approximately 39 to 44 millimeters.

Average width.--Approximately 25 to 27 millimeters.

Average thickness.--Approximately 21 to 25 millimeters.

Form:

Generally.--Variable, from slight obovate, to oval.

Stone base:

Generally.--The base is considered rounded, and the base angle isnormally slightly oblique to the fruit axis.

Hilum:

Shape.--Oblong, narrow, and indented. The hilum is medium in size, oval,and appears substantially eroded.

Apex:

Shape.--Acute and having a sharp dentate tip.

Sides:

Shape.--Non-uniform.

Surface texture: Irregularly furrowed and deeply pitted. The ridges areusually most distinct over the apical shoulder. Further, numeroussmaller ridges are present laterally, and near the stone base.

Fibers: A few short fibers are attached to the stone and are mostfrequently found around the basal area.

Ridges:

Shape.--Moderately rounded and interrupted.

Ventral edge:

Shape.--Serrated and non-uniform. The ventral edge is moerately wide,and from 6 to 8 millimeters in width at mid suture. The wings along thesuture are relatively low and appear eroded.

Dorsal edge:

Shape.--Generally pronounced, ridged, and non-uniform. A medium widthgroove extends along the dorsal edge from the base to the apex. Theridges subtend the groove and are often deeply cross grooved. The upperdorsal suture is moderately eroded over the apical shoulder.

Color: Light tan [10-D-2].

Tendency to split: Moderate with both internal and external splits beingobserved.

Fertility: Self-fruitful.

Seed coat:

Color.--Brown.

Use: Fresh market for both local and long distance shipping.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Unknown, although the firm and crisp flesh displayedat commercial maturity indicates that the variety should have noteworthyshipping characteristics.

Resistance to disease: No particular susceptibilities were noted.

Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the describedcharacteristics as a result of the growing conditions prevailing at theapplicant's licensee's ranch which is located near Visalia, Calif., inthe central part of the San Joaquin Valley of Central California, it isunderstood that variations of the usual magnitude and characteristicsincident to changes in growing conditions, fertilization, pruning andpest control are to be expected.

Having thus described and illustrated my new variety of nectarine tree,what I claim as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent is:
 1. A newand distinct variety of nectarine tree substantially as illustrated anddescribed and which is somewhat similar to the Arctic Glo nectarine tree[U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,884] which matures in approximately the sameseason, but which is distinguished therefrom and characterizedprincipally as to novelty by producing fruit which have a larger size, adark red skin color and which is semi-freestone by nature at commercialmaturity.